Meet Your 2025 Aleut Board Candidates

DR. GARY L. FERGUSON II

Seattle, Washington

“I see The Aleut Corporation as a billion+ dollar corporation in 5-7 years. We’ve had incredible growth in revenue and staff the last few years and the trajectory is very exciting with potential! I hope to continue to provide a grounding influence on the board with leadership and service, using my Elder in Training perspectives through my eclectic experience and also having grown up in the region, I feel close ties to my Unangax culture and relatives. I see our management team being primarily of Unangan descent and our key officers in the next 10 years. I hope to assist with “growing our own” and also celebrating our own Unangan CEO that has been a perfect fit to help Aleut grow to its current size and we hope to see his leadership continue for many years to come. I also hope to mentor new potential board directors to be ready to sit in my stead in the future.”

Watch Dr. Gary’s candidate speech from the 2025 Aleut Picnic.

“Dear Shareholders, Thank you for your continued trust and support throughout my six years of service on the board. During this time, we have made significant progress as a corporation. Notably, we have increased profit margins and taken deliberate steps to refocus our business subsidiaries and assets. As reflected in the audited financials, these efforts have led to stronger returns, improved efficiency, and a more strategic, sustainable path to growth. Looking ahead, our long-term success depends on focusing our efforts on industries with strong growth potential and where we have the expertise to lead. By building on our strengths in targeted areas, we can operate more efficiently and deliver greater value to our shareholders. I remain committed to strengthening dividends and expanding scholarship opportunities in a way that is both responsible and sustainable. My vision includes extending support for shareholders and descendants beyond college-age scholarships by engaging earlier in their education and continuing through to meaningful career opportunities, including placement within our companies and partner organizations. With these priorities in mind, it has been an honor to serve our people, and I am committed to continuing this work with a clear vision and steady focus on building a stronger, more prosperous future for all shareholders.“

Watch Kyle’s candidate speech from the 2025 Aleut Picnic below.

OKALENA PATRICIA LEKANOFF-GREGORY

Anchorage, Alaska

“I am Okalena Patricia Lekanoff-Gregory, born and raised in Unalaska. I married my high school sweetheart and we have two adult children; both are shareholders by me gifting and now I have a three-year-old grandson who also is a shareholder. I strongly believe that we need to bring in the next generation! I was elected on The Aleut Corporation Board in 2012 and, again in 2022, and I would love to continue to be your voice! I have previous experience both on the Boards, including my village corporation amounting to over 35 years. I see wonderful opportunities for both our corporations, including all the other village corporations in the Aleut region. I believe that serving on both boards will give us the opportunity to grow and prosper in the future by working in a collaborative manner toward success while serving the Aleut people! I continually take University classes to further my professional development. I will continue towards my Masters. I believe with my education, my board experience, and especially my life skills will make me a great addition to the board that you can trust and feel assured I will make the right choices for our corporation. I humbly ask for your vote to serve another term! Qagaasakung.“

Okalena did not submit a speech to share.

Employment

Education

ALEXANDRA (WERBA) PHILEMONOFF

Bethel, Alaska

“I bring over 15 years of experience in accounting, with a strong focus on accurately recording financial transactions, including equity, expenses, assets, liabilities, and revenue. I possess a comprehensive understanding of financial statements and have been directly involved in their preparation and analysis. My background includes accounting for both for-profit entities and non-profit tribal organizations, which has given me a broad and diverse perspective in the field. In leadership roles, I have managed teams responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency in financial operations. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Alaska Pacific University (2009) and an MBA in the same field, earned in 2020. This combination of education and practical experience enables me to foster a culture of collaboration and accountability in support of organizational goals. As a board member, I am committed to promoting responsible financial stewardship and advancing the organization’s mission and vision. I aim to represent the interests of all current and future shareholders with integrity and a strategic, long-term perspective.“

Alexandra did not submit a speech to share.